During Emperor Kangxi’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, the eldest prince, Yunti, was responsible for building the Yangxin Temple. One day, Yunti and Xu Risheng, a Westerner, went to the imperial palace and spoke with Emperor Kangxi.
Xu Risheng, also known as Tomás Pereira (1645-1708), was a Portuguese missionary who arrived in Macau, China, in 1672. Emperor Kangxi had a strong interest in Western science and technology. Thus, Nan Huairen (Ferdinand Verbiest, a Flemish missionary) recommended Xu Risheng to the Kangxi Emperor. In 1673, Xu Risheng went to Beijing to pay homage to Emperor Kangxi.
Xu Risheng was knowledgeable and well-versed in music, astronomy, and mathematics. Kangxi ordered him to stay by his side. Xu took turns with Nan Huairen and Min Mingwo (Domingo Fernández Navarrete, Spanish missionary) to teach Emperor Kangxi Western science and technology.
In 1689, China and Russia negotiated the Treaty of Nerchinsk, with Xu Risheng serving as the translator for the Latin language. Emperor Kangxi praised Xu Risheng for fulfilling the emperor’s mission, and highly valued and respected him.
During a conversation between Emperor Kangxi and his ministers, Yunti jokingly asked Xu Risheng: “Would you shave your beard?” Xu Risheng pretended to ignore him and said: “Go ahead and shave it if you want.” The joke caught Emperor Kangxi’s attention, and he realized Yunti could do something reckless. If Yunti wanted to do it, he could say: “I have reported to the Emperor, and I’m going to shave Xu Risheng’s beard,” and he might have done it.
Xu Risheng then asked Emperor Kangxi: “Is it okay to shave someone’s beard even if it was a joke?” Emperor Kangxi smiled and said: “If Yunti wants to shave your beard, he must first ask for my permission before he shaves it.” Xu Risheng was touched when he heard Kangxi’s words. He had teary eyes and stood silently.
A few days later, Xu Risheng went to see Kangxi alone and wept: “Your Majesty, thank you for your wisdom! As a prince, Yunti can easily shave my beard. Your Majesty considered what could happen in the future and issued a decree. How can I repay my debt of gratitude?”
During the 47th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, Yunti petitioned to execute Crown Prince Yunreng after he was deposed. Yunti had no regard for his brother and acted without scruples. Emperor Kangxi was furious and issued an edict to denounce Yunti for his cruelty and ignorance. He also warned other princes not to let their subordinates cause any trouble.
Emperor Kangxi was deeply saddened and distressed. He fell ill after the crown prince was dethroned. Xu Risheng heard the rumor and mistakenly thought the emperor’s illness was incurable. He went to the Yangxin Palace and cried out loud. He blamed himself for his bad luck and was afraid he would never see the emperor again. He was grief-stricken and died shortly after returning home.
When Kangxi heard the news of Xu Risheng’s death, he wrote an eulogy praising Xu’s profound knowledge and his “honest, simple, and flawless character.” Emperor Kangxi later thought of Xu Risheng and warned the princes: “Words can win people’s hearts, but can also lose their hearts.” Even when joking, one should do it reasonably and in moderation. A prince should not abuse his power and casually tease a government official.
Translated by Elaine
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